AR 101 INTRODUCTION TO ARCHAEOLOGY
FALL 2009
T–THU 2–3:30 PM, CAS 224
Instructors and Office Hours
Prof. Michael Danti Teaching Fellows
TBA
Office Hours T, Thu 9:30–11:00 AM
STO 247C, 675 Comm. Ave. Office Hours: TBA
email:
Telephone: (35)8-1659
Introduction
In this course, we will examine the theories and methods archaeologists use to explore the human past, along with some of the misconstructions developed by “pseudoarchaeologists.” We will also survey the fascinating variety of past human cultures from the Paleolithic period, through the florescence of ancient civilizations, and into recent historic years. I will frequently use examples drawn from ongoing research projects. The overall aim of this course is to introduce you to the human past as we now know it, and, I hope, to encourage you to further the growth of archaeological knowledge in the future.
The course counts toward the CAS social science distribution requirement. The course will begin with a brief history of the field of archaeology and then proceed to an examination of the categories of evidence available to archaeologists and the kinds of information obtained through archaeological research. We will then look at some of the theories used to explain the structure and evolution of human societies, as well as the methods used to test these theories. The final third of the course is a rapid overview of what we have learned about the human past through archaeology. We will proceed chronologically, starting with the emergence of the first cultures in the Paleolithic and moving to relatively recent societies. A great deal of emphasis will be placed on the initial development of complex societies in various parts of the world.
Course Requirements
The lectures will parallel the assigned readings, but additional information and interpretations will be presented. Students are to attend all lectures and are responsible for material presented in the lectures. Your final grade will be based on three exams, weighted at 30% each and non-cumulative in terms of content, and class participation (attendance = 10%). No make-up exams will be allowed without a valid medical excuse. The examinations will be on the material covered in the readings and the lectures. Please familiarize yourself with University policy by consulting the University’s Academic Conduct Code at
http://www.bu.edu/cas/students/undergrad-resources/code/
Course Website
The course is located at http://courseinfo.bu.edu. You will find copies of all course documents posted on this site, as well as supplementary readings and materials assigned during the semester.
Texts
The textbooks are available at the Boston University Bookstore.
Brian M. Fagan and Christopher R. DeCorse In the Beginning: An Introduction to Archaeology. 12th edition. Prentice Hall, 2008. The 11th edition will also work.
T. Douglas Price and Gary M. Feinman. Images of the Past. 5th edition. McGraw-Hill, 2007. The 4th edition of this textbook will also work.
Class Schedule and Reading List
Week Dates Topics and Reading
I Sept. 3, 8 What is Archaeology?
Fagan Chs. 1-3
II Sept. 10, 15 Archaeological Data and the Research Process
Fagan Chs. 4-5
III Sept. 17, 22 Context and Chronology
Fagan Chs. 6-8
IV Sept. 24, 29 Reconnaissance and Excavation
Fagan Chs. 9-10
V Oct. 1 Artifacts
Fagan Chs. 11-12
VI Oct. 6 ***EXAM 1***
Oct. 8 The Archaeology of Subsistence and Environment
Fagan Ch. 13
VII Oct. 13 No Class, Monday Schedule
Oct. 15 Archaeological Explanation and Ancient Society
Fagan Chs. 16-19
VIII Oct. 20, 22 The Paleolithic
Price and Feinman Ch. 3–5
IX Oct. 27, 29 The Mesolithic and Neolithic
Price and Feinman Ch. 5–6
X Nov. 3, 5 North America
Price and Feinman Ch. 7
Nov. 10 ***EXAM 2***
XI Nov. 12, 17 Mesoamerica
Price and Feinman Ch. 8
XII Nov. 19, 24 Andes
Price and Feinman Ch. 9
Nov. 26 No Classes, Fall Recess
XIII
Dec. 1 Mesopotamia
Price and Feinman Ch. 10
Dec. 3 Egypt
Price and Feinman Ch. 10
XIV
Dec. 8 Indus
Price and Feinman Ch. 10
Dec. 10 China
Price and Feinman Ch. 10
Final Exam To Be Announced